NBA Plays of the Day – 1/4

Today’s Plays of the Day will be a bit different, due to the slate being only 2 games. So, instead of the best all around plays per position, I will be giving you what I consider to be the top play for the position, as well as a lower play with upside for that position.

Curry, Klay, Draymond and George are way too cheap on DK.

Plays are based on stats, opposition, and pricing.

Averaged 17-18 Season stats after player’s names.

FanDuel and DraftKings prices listed respectively.

• Point Guard

Stephen Curry [ $9,800 / $8,400 ] With Kevin Durant ruled out for tonight’s matchup with the Houston Rockets, I expect this game to be much closer than the initial spread, and Steph Curry will certainly see more usage and possibly minutes. Since returning from injury, Curry has been phenomenal, putting up 47.3+ FanDuel points and is averaging 35ppg in those 2 outings.

Austin Rivers [ $5,300 / $6,000 ] Austin Rivers is currently questionable to play tonight, but if he is able to suit up, he could be in line for a solid night, should his minutes not be limited. Opposing guard Andre Roberson is out, meaning Rivers will not be hindered by too tough a defender – if he doesn’t play, Teodosic has played 27+ minutes in his last 3 games and would see boosts.

• Shooting Guard

Klay Thompson [ $6,800 / $6,100 ] Durant being sidelined will not only benefit Curry, but also Klay Thompson, who has scored 21+ points in each of Golden State’s previous 3 contests. Although Thompson will not be afforded the defense of James Harden, this meeting has a fast pace, with both teams ranked in the top 8 in pace, which plays perfect for his run and gun play style.

Terrance Ferguson [ $3,500 / $3,000 ] This may seem like a bit of a reach, but Terrance Ferguson played 32 minutes last night in a blowout win against the Lakers, and put up 24/1/1 along with 3 steals. Alex Abrines is currently questionable for tonight, and if he sits, Ferguson could be inserted into the starting lineup, providing decent minutes and the chance at nice production.

• Small Forward

Paul George [ $8,400 / $7,000 ] Paul George is now the top small forward play, as mentioned above, and after 27 minutes yesterday, he should have some fresh legs for this game. This figures to be a very competitive matchup, especially with Blake Griffin back for the Clippers, and George should have little to no problems, as LA has had trouble guarding opposing forwards.

Gerald Green [ $4,100 / $4,000 ] Last game, Gerald Green went off for 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a block, during a season high 27 minutes played. Tonight should have similar events, with Harden out for the foreseeable future, which allows Green the opportunity to see more time on the court, as his recent play has been encouraging, while his salary remains cheap.

• Power Forward

Blake Griffin [ $8,700 / $8,200 ] Blake Griffin has an excellent individual opponent, Carmelo Anthony, who hasn’t been known much for his defense throughout his career, and could easily exploit this position with his size. Griffin has been fantastic since coming back from his extended injury, putting up at least 38.2+ FanDuel points, 21+ points, 6+ rebounds, and a cool 6+ assists.

Jordan Bell [ $5,500 / $5,000 ] Even though Draymond will be playing, as expected, minutes will be open with Kevin Durant out, potentially allowing Jordan Bell to see considerable play time. Bell has proven to be a valuable asset for the Warriors this year, playing like his mentor, Green, putting up 30+ FanDuel points, fueled by a multitude of stats, in 4 of his previous 7 contests.

• Center

Clint Capela [ $7,500 / $6,800 ] Clint Capela is having a career year, and has really solidified the Rockets as a juggernaut with his excellent defense, as well as his all around game. Golden State has been victimized several times this season by opposing bigs, and with floor general Chris Paul feeding him the ball, Capela could go off against the small ball lineup they like to play.

Steven Adams [ $6,500 / $5,800 ] At a much lower salary, on both sites, Steven Adams offers tough nose defense and the ability to battle in the paint against anyone. Adams plays about 30+ minutes per game, and while he isn’t a lock for a double double every night, he does a lot more than just point production – LA has been beat on the glass, but have been better with Griffin.